Our Blog

Caitlin Deppeler Becomes Our New LeadeR

“I’m thrilled to introduce myself to the RJLF family!” Caitlin has served the mission of the Foundation during the past ten years in multiple capacities: participation in the planning of our first two fundraisers, four years on our Board, and most recently as our Board Chair. It is my privilege to transition into the role of Executive Director, while Jo Leonard, our Founder and a close friend, will be serving in a new role as Chief Visionary Officer.

Caitlin brings a unique understanding and familiarity of our Fellows’ perspectives - “I previously supervised Valley Youth House’s emergency shelter in Bucks County, which serves youth who areexperiencing homelessness, are at-risk of becoming homeless, or are involved with the child welfare system. ... I am humbled to have been chosen to lead the organization into the future."

Britany* Dreamed of a Road-Trip With Her SoN

“It was just like watching an endless movie … From Elvis to cowboys, native Americans and dinosaurs. Aliens and waterfalls. Ghost towns and the city that never sleeps. Canyons and mountains and horizons that never end. I still am in shock.”

﻿Our Fellow, Britany, and her son had “the experience of a lifetime … driving on what is considered America’s most beautiful highway:” Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 (also known as “A Journey Through Time”). Through our Dare to Dream program, Britany worked closely with her Mentor and the RJLF team to plan her four-day camping trip and achieve her dream to share moments of awe with her son. ”As a parent we know we can’t give our children the world, but we can show them it, and to be granted the opportunity to show him this part of our world was the biggest blessing.”

Aging Out at 18 Makes it Nearly Impossible to Launch

When youth in foster care turn 18 they become eligible to transition out of foster care. Often these youth are completely unprepared for the daily realities of adulthood, and little to no support system or network to lean back on. When these young adults fail to launch, they cost the tax payer $300,000, annually.

﻿However, our transitioning Fellows benefit directly from RJLF's Friends Launching Futures sustaining support fund. Read our breakdown of Friends Launching Futures support and hear one of our current “Friends,” Delana, explain why consistent support is a commitment you can feel good about.

Heart for Change: A Celebration!

Mark your calendar!

Our annual fundraiser is October 19.​Join us to celebrate 10 years of launching young adults out of foster care and into self-sufficiency.

“I have a knack for the outdoors, and that has undeniably worn off on Derrek.*”Britany's Mentor asked her what she would do if given the opportunity for travel and a new experience. Her immediate response was “an outdoor experience out west with my son... Nevada, Arizona, and Utah have the highest density of National Parks... To be able to witness these up close, and experience such a vast arrangement of them within only a couple hours of each other is a dream come true." ​Britany dared to dream, and the RJLF team is proud to support our Fellows' dreams. See images of Britany's and Derrek's western adventure below! Learn more about RJLF's Dare to Dream Experience.

*Names and identifying information has been changed to protect the confidentiality and safety of Fellows involved in the R.J. Leonard Foundation's programming.

Young people aging out of foster care need a safety net

Our transitioning Fellows benefit directly from RJLF's Friends Launching Futures sustaining support fund. This fund is solely supported through our donor base. We are currently campaigning to increase our number of Friends to 100!

My name is Caitlin Deppeler and I’m thrilled to introduce myself to the RJLF family! I have served the mission of the Foundation during the last 10 years in different capacities including participation in the planning process of our first two fundraisers, four years as a Board member, and most recently as Board Chair.

I bring a unique understanding and familiarity of our Fellows’ perspectives due to my experience working in the child welfare system in Southeastern Pennsylvania. I previously supervised Valley Youth House’s emergency shelter in Bucks County, which serves youth who areexperiencing homelessness, are at-risk of becoming homeless, or are involved with the child welfare system.

When I am not working I love to travel and explore new places. I am delighted that RJLF has developed the Dare to Dream Program to create the opportunity for fellows to grow through nontraditional educational experiences while still pursuing higher education. I am humbled to have been chosen to lead the organization into the future as we attempt to fulfill our mission to educate, initiate careers and personally mentor young adults who are aging out of the foster care system.​In collaborating with the dedicated staff, Board members, Mentors, Fellows, and Volunteers, RJLF will continue to transform the lives of transition-aged young people!